Couple banned from keeping animals for life after RSPCA discovers emaciated and suffering dogs at their home

Devizes couple banned from keeping animals for life over 'emaciated' dogs

A couple left their dogs emaciated and sick have been banned from keeping animals for life.

Simon Sherman, 46, and Sarah Jane Sherman, 47, were sentenced to the life-long disqualifications when they appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court today.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, discovered collies, Laddie and Milo, in March 2019 after concerns were raised about their welfare.

During veterinary examination, Laddie was found to have a skeletal appearance, alopecia from his mid-back to tail, and paraphimosis, the inability to retract his penis, which had left it dry and inflamed.

Inspector Albinson said: “Laddie was lying in a green plastic dog bed on the kitchen floor.

"There was a small dirty cushion in this bed and next to it was a filthy blanket which was wet to the touch. Inside the bed was an empty silver dog bowl.

“He was clearly extremely underweight, with prominent hip bones, ribs and spine, and had complete fur loss over his back end.

"Milo had a sticky, dirty, and greasy coat and I could feel that he was also extremely underweight.

“There is no excuse for allowing any pet to get into the state Laddie and Milo were in.

"There is always help available for those people who need it and we encourage people to seek out this help to prevent animals suffering.”

Mr Sherman, of Waiblingen Way in Devizes, was also ordered to carry out 250 hours community service and fined £250 with £85 victim surcharge. Mrs Sherman. of the same address, was fined £200 and a £30 victim surcharge.

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